For the 13 weeks ending October 30, 2010, the Company projects that same store sales will grow 1% to 2% on top of an 8% increase in the prior year. Third quarter 2010 earnings per share are forecast to be in the range of $.79 to $.83 compared to $.84 in last year's third quarter, which included a $.09 benefit from better-than-expected shortage results in 2009.
For the 13 weeks ending January 29, 2011, same store sales are projected to be flat to down 1% versus a 10% increase in the fourth quarter of 2009. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2010 are forecast to be in the range of $1.15 to $1.20, compared to $1.16 for the same period in 2009.
For the 52 weeks ending January 29, 2011, earnings per share are forecast to be in the range of $4.18 to $4.27, up from $3.54 for the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2010. This annual range represents projected growth of 18% to 21% in fiscal 2010 on top of a 52% gain in fiscal 2009.